Sep 27, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Justin Garrett (26) closes in on Louisiana Tech Bulldogs running back Kenneth Dixon (28) during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Backs
As one might expect him to be, Jonathon Mincy was the most impressive performer among Auburn’s defensive backs Saturday against LA Tech. The senior made seven total tackles – one of which he fought through two Bulldogs’ blockers, including an offensive lineman, to make a tackle on a screen pass.

Betsided
Six of Mincy’s tackles were solo efforts and he also broke up a pass for the Tigers, who recorded six as a defensive unit. Fellow starting corner Jonathan Jones and safety Johnathan Ford ranked second among DBs with five total tackles. Jones also forced a fumble and broke up a pass.
For the second week in a row, Joshua Holsey started the game at safety in place of the suspended Jermaine Whitehead. While he is unlikely to repeat as SEC Defensive Player of the Week, Holsey was again solid. The junior recorded four solo tackles and broke up a pass Saturday against Louisiana Tech.
Safety/linebacker Robenson Therezie continues to make big plays for the Tigers’ defense. The senior combined with DaVonte Lambert on the only Auburn sack of the day and also defended a pass. He finished with two assisted tackles against the Bulldogs.
The best thing about the 45-17 win in regards to the secondary was the amount of playing time young players received. The Auburn defensive backfield is relatively inexperienced, especially when factoring in the youth of the backups on the two-deep. However, reserves Nick Ruffin, TJ Davis, Stephen Roberts and Brandon King all saw action, as well as Derrick Moncrief, and Trovon Reed who are already in the rotation.
In all, Auburn held Louisiana Tech quarterback Cody Sokol to 20 completions among 35 passing attempts for a respectable 216 yards. They didn’t record an interception for the first time this season (of course, Montravius Adams kept the streak alive for the defense as a whole), but the secondary made life difficult on receivers and played a solid game.
Grade: A-